Sport
30 January, 2026
Melting fixtures: heat stopping weekend sport
SPORTING codes have this afternoon started enacting their heat policies as Loddon communities are expected to face another day of temperatures in the 40s.
Both Upper Loddon cricket and Bendigo playing area bowls have been abandonded.
It is the second consecutive week heat has stopped senior cricket matches. Bendigo bowls last week played in the morning.
North Central bowls matches will proceed, starting at the earlier time of 9am.
Loddon Valley tennis has been cancelled and at least one Marong association match has been abandoned with others also expected to be called off.
Upper Loddon committee late this afternoon said: "Due to the Heat Rule, all senior matches scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled, with all venues forecast to reach 38°C or higher according to the Bureau of Meteorology at 4:30pm.
"All scheduled two-day matches will instead be played as a one-day match next Saturday.
"Junior matches will proceed as scheduled. However, due to the current heatwave conditions and the cumulative impact of consecutive hot days, teams are strongly encouraged to consider an earlier start time where both teams are in agreement. Please also ensure adequate drink breaks are provided throughout play.
"Player health and safety remains the priority"
Bendigo bowls said: "Pennant committee had decided to Abandon Round 13 Weekend Pennant due to weather conditions as per the Conditions of Play.
"This is mainly due to the extreme weather conditions we have had for the past week leading up to tomorrow forecast temperature of over 38 degrees.
"At the end of the day, we believe our members welfare is more important than a game of bowls."